(11-15) 00:07 PST -- The 49ers proved they could win without running back Frank Gorein their 27-20 win over the Giants, but it doesn't appear they'll have to make the point again when they host the Cardinals on Sunday.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said he expects Gore to be able to play this week after he didn't finish the win over New York because of a knee injury. Gore had six carries for zero yards and took part in just one play in the second half.

In Gore's absence, rookie Kendall Hunter(six carries, 40 yards) had a 17-yard touchdown run, and Anthony Dixonhad 10 yards on two carries. Dixon had four carries for 10 yards in the season's first eight games.

"I would plan on (Gore) playing, but you just feel like right now that we've got a stable of backs," Harbaugh said. "We've got Frank Gore. We've got Kendall Hunter. We've got fresh legs in Anthony Dixon. This bodes really well for our football team."

Given Gore's health status - and the 49ers' upcoming schedule - it's possible the Niners will use their full complement of backs against Arizona. San Francisco will visit the Ravens on Thanksgiving, four days after playing the Cardinals.